Christ Fellowship Church breakfast to honor law enforcement, June 29

To show how much the members appreciate the service to the community provided by local police, Christ Fellowship Church (CFC) is having a Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, June 29, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Set to take place at Westminster Christian School, 6855 SW 152 St. in Palmetto Bay, this first annual event by Christ Fellowship is free to all active and retired law enforcement officers, correctional and probation officers, as well as military police. There will be special guests, a dollar raffle giveaway and other presentations.

Aimee Artiles of CFC explained the background and the reason for hosting the event

“Christ Fellowship Church puts a big emphasis on serving others in our community,” Artiles said. “In fact, we have one of the highest volunteer-to-staff ratios of large churches in the country. We offer thousands of opportunities for our congregation to get involved and volunteer their time and talents to help not only the hurting and under-resourced, but to honor public servants like police officers and firefighters, as well as other professionals like nurses and teachers.”

Artiles said that this particular event was the brainchild of one of the church members, Kevin Pedersen, who is a retired Special Agent. Pedersen had a personal reason for suggesting the event.

“I was honored to participate in a similar event last year honoring law enforcement officers in the North Georgia area,” Pedersen said. “I saw firsthand how more than 100 officers were blessed and rewarded for their service to their community. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to thank our law enforcement officers and reward their sacrifice in a meaningful way.

“With nearly 30 years of law enforcement and military service myself, I know very well the sacrifices that these men and women make on a daily basis,” Pedersen added. “A pat on the back, a good meal, some encouraging words, and some great raffle prizes are the least we can do for them.”

Impressed by the event in North Georgia, Pedersen talked to the CFC Missions team about hosting a similar one in Miami-Dade. The church loved the idea and formed a committee, including Miami- Dade Police Chief JD Patterson Jr., to make it happen.

Christ Fellowship Church also hosts “Love Miami” twice a year, a weeklong, large scale mission where all 8,000 Christ Fellowship participants are challenged to serve the community and those in need through dozens of different volunteer opportunities.

Missions Pastor Jorge Molina expressed his appreciation for area police.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to thank the brave men and women in law enforcement who sacrifice so much to keep us safe,” Pastor Molina said. “At Christ Fellowship, we want our community to know God’s love not just through our words but through our actions. We take joy in working side by side with the members of communities throughout Miami- Dade County. It is our privilege to take the time to demonstrate our gratitude to the officers who protect these communities. We respect them, we value them, and we support them.”